Abstract:
A continuous casting operation for forming bars is comprised of pouring molten steel into the inlet end of a mold chamber in which the bar is formed and from which the bar is withdrawn while it still has a liquid core. Within the mold chamber the molten steel forms a liquid level, and a first section of the chamber having converging walls commencing at the liquid level and extends downwardly for applying a symmetrical cooling effect to the molten steel and, at the same time, constraining the outer surface of the bar as it contracts and develops a solidified outer layer or crust. The constraint afforded by the walls of the first section prevents a distortion in the shape of the bar as it begins to solidify. From the first section of the chamber the bar passes through a second section where the cooling operation is continued but without any constraint so that a gap develops between the bar and the walls of the chamber. After passage through the second section the bar may be withdrawn from the outlet end of the chamber or, alternatively, it may pass through another section wherein increased cooling is effected and then, if necessary through a further section where the cooling effect is decreased as in the second section. From the outlet the bar is guided to rollers which withdraw it from the mold chamber. Before reaching the rollers, cooling means, such as water sprays, are provided for cooling the casting. The mold chamber is provided with means for circulating a coolant fluid for removing heat from the molten steel within the mold chamber.
Abstract:
A continuously cast strand as it leaves the casting mold is cooled by cooling elements comprising cooling plates having surfaces spaced from the strand by guide elements, preferably adjustable, which protrude from the surfaces of the plates to engage the surface of the strand and establish and maintain a gap between the strand surface and the plate surfaces to permit flow of coolant introduced into the gap through said plates.
Abstract:
A method of, and apparatus for, continuous casting of metals with considerably lower specific gravity of the strand in relation to the cast metal, wherein the metal and the additive constituents in the liquid metal pool are introduced into a hollow mold compartment. As the additives there are added porous bodies having a specific gravity less than 1, and upon the porous bodies there is exerted a pressure which at least corresponds to the magnitude of the lift force acting upon the porous bodies upon penetration into the metal. The apparatus for the performance of the method aspects comprises means defining a hollow mold compartment and an infeed device for the metal. In addition to the infeed device for the metal there is provided a device for exerting a pressure upon the porous bodies for infeeding the porous bodies into the liquid metal pool.
Abstract:
In continuously casting steel wherein the bottom end of an openended chill mold is closed for the start of casting by the head of a dummy bar, the upper end of the dummy bar head which is received within the mold is undercut on one side to form with an adjacent wall of the mold a cavity into which molten steel poured into the mold is received and solidifies. The undercut side of the head has a projection to extend into the cavity and toward said first wall of the mold. The face of the upper end of the head in back of the projection has at least a part of its surface bearing against the mold wall which is opposite said first mold wall, when the head is in the mold. The projection and the cavity are shaped to enable the upper end of the head to be separated from the steel that has solidified in contact therewith in the mold, after the head and said solidified steel are withdrawn from the mold, by transverse circular movement of the lower end of the head away from the portion of the steel that solidified in the cavity.